Reproduction

Stemming from the project's heavy fantasy influence, there are a variety of manners in which the inhabitants of the world produce new individuals.

Compatibility

Compatibility describes the ability for two kinds to viably reproduce with each other.

Hybridization

Hybridization occurs between only the most compatible kinds and describes the transfer of features and averaging of traits.

The system allows for hybridization either through the combination of shared parameters or reference to a third kind that specifically describes the offspring.

Fertilization

Fertilization refers to the ability for individuals to produce offspring of one of the parents' kinds. While some pairs of kinds may produce offspring of either kind, it is often the case that the kind pair and the physiologies of the individuals determine the offspring's kind. For example, reproduction between centaurs and most human kinds will produce offspring of the female parent's kind.

This system is used to avoid situations that are clearly not physiologically feasible.

Lesser Compatibilities

While other forms of compatibility exist, most of these do not generally result in viable offspring—being largely limited to physiological effects—and may be explored at a later time.

Mechanisms

The application of reproduction is largely derived from the real world—utilizing a substantial source of existing information—while adding both speculative and new mechanisms. These facets of reproduction are neither exhaustive nor exclusive.

Physiology

Non-reproductive

Kinds that do not experience reproduction, such as those assembled or synthesized, fall under this category.

Asexual

Asexual physiology describes kinds that do not exhibit differentiation between characteristics with regard to reproduction, as seen in slimes.

Sexual

Sexual physiology refers to reproductive differentiation between individuals, such as the separation of roles between female and male organisms.

Hermaphroditism

Kinds in which individuals exhibit more than one sex, either sequentially or simultaneously, are described as hermaphroditic.

Conception

Asexual

Asexual reproduction is the creation of offspring utilizing only the materials available to a single individual.

Sexual

Sexual reproduction is the creation of offspring using the materials of two or more individuals, possibly involving individuals of differing genetic and physiological templates.

Transfer

Transfer refers to the exchange of materials between two individuals outside of the normal reproductive mechanisms of a kind (ref: Horizontal Gene Transfer). This may occur between individuals of the same or differing kinds.

Transport

Intercourse

Intercourse is the direct exchange of reproductive materials through the coupling of sexual organs.

Pollination

Pollination refers to the release and distribution of reproductive materials into the environment or through carriers.

Packet Transfer

Packet transfer is the exchange of reproductive materials through a packet, such as a spermatophore. Packets may be passive, active, or themselves living—and may be exchanged through intercourse, pollination, or other means.

Development

Internal

Internal development is where the offspring viably matures before leaving the host's body.

External

External development is where the offspring leaves the body of the host before development is complete, as seen in egg-laying organisms.

Parasitic

Parasitic development is where the offspring is transferred to the body of another host. This may also include Internal or External development, depending on the stage at which the offspring leaves its new host.

Concepts

• Character Status
• Futanari
• Sexual Transitioning